Writing A Research Paper

Writing a Research Paper

Writing a research paper is one way to ensure that the basics learnt in ones course are applied to an actual perspective; thus the reason why a research paper has to be put down in a specific format which ensures both coherence and neatness. A research paper format should be definitively put down so that the instructors/tutors are aware of what to expect in each section and part as well as to help students in presenting their findings in a confound way. The following are seven stages which represent the main sections of a research paper and which generally represent the required outline for a research paper.

1. Title page

This part of a research paper includes a highlight of the subject matter to be researched. Mostly, it is supposed to contain a brief title which in most cases is in form of a thesis. In some cases, the title page also contains information such as the students name, the course name, the instructor’s name and the time for submission.

2. Abstract

This is the second part of a research paper and it contains a concise summary of the work contained in a research paper. It should be brief containing just about two hundred words; just enough to give the reader a chance to have an idea of the research paper content within a few minutes. The Abstract gives a general approach used in writing a research paper, important conclusions and pertinent results of the study.

Writing a Research Paper

3. Introduction

This marks the beginning of a research paper and involves a brief description of the past details of a similar research or related research. The introduction forms the base of the study and involves outlining the following four things: describing the importance of the study, defending the model used within the study, providing the rationale e.g. writing down the objectives and stating the hypothesis for the research paper. Lastly for this section, is a brief description of the experimental design.

4. Material and Method/Methodology

This section contains a summary of the materials to be used in carrying out the study and stating the methods to be used in assimilating data. There is no page limit to this but the point is to keep it concise as the reader may want to fully grasp the information written on it.

5. Result

This section represents the results of a research paper. Mostly the data in this section may be in its raw form and later on summarised by the use of tables or graphs. However, a concise summary of results is better for it accords coherence. Thus, the best way for data presentation is the use of tables and graphs in this part.

6. Discussion

This is the analysis of the information and findings gathered throughout the study. This is done to ensure that a proper summary which is supported by data gathered throughout the research

Writing a Research Paper

paper is derived.

7. Literature cited/Bibliography

This is the last part of a research paper and involves writing down all the research material used in the study. This is to help readers who may want further illustrations or information about the researched topic.